**will be back to explain my absence (hint-stomach virus and colds and birthday party)**

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Today, my youngest, my spitfire turned 2. With the odds she beat to come into this world, it still amazes me that she’s here. I am not sure it will every fully sink in that I have her and she’s mine.

She is so full of life and such a funny little girl. She can be so moody and definitely has her independent and defiant streak. But Alysa is also the sweetest little girl and oh so affectionate. Random times throughout the day she will run up to me, throw her arms around my legs and say “I love you Mommy.” In fact, after her birthday party, she looked at my Dad and said “I love you Gramps” and then opened her arms and said “Hug”. She proceeded to do this to my Mom, J and I and repeated the cycle a few times.

She has such fun playing with her sister, but will also sit quietly for long periods of time reading or quietly playing by herself. She would never dream of going to sleep w/o her Taggie and Baby and we would never even try to get her to. She will show her dolls the same love and affection she shows us and every day when Kayla is in school she get so excited to go pick her up.

She’s our baby, yet she’s getting so big. Happy Birthday Alysa – we love you!!!